Jam Miller injury update: Kalen DeBoer expects Alabama RB to return by SEC opener vs. Georgia

When starting running back Jam Miller injured his collarbone last weekend, Alabama fans let out a collective groan, wondering if they’d see the ball-carrier on the field any time soon. Well, Kalen DeBoer delivered some solid news on Friday regarding the young man’s status.

“Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer said he expects starting running back Jam Miller to return in time for the SEC opener against Georgia on Sept. 27,” Chris Low of ESPN wrote. “Miller dislocated his collarbone in the Tide’s scrimmage last Saturday and will miss the opener against Florida State on Aug. 30.

“He’s doubtful to play in the next two games against ULM and Wisconsin. Alabama has a bye the week before its visit to Georgia.”

That’s a solid update for the Crimson Tide on Miller. Still, losing a player of his caliber for any significant length of time could be a difficult blow for Alabama, which enters a pivotal Year 2 under DeBoer.

The program has renewed College Football Playoff and national championship hopes after finishing 9-4 in 2024. It was Alabama’s first season without at least 10 wins since 2007 — Nick Saban‘s inaugural year in Tuscaloosa.

Miller, the 5-foot-10 and 221-pound senior bruiser, is the team’s top returning rusher after racking up 668 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 145 carries in 2024, cementing his status as the Tide’s starting tailback entering the 2025 season. Especially after its No. 2 running back, Justice Haynes (79 carries for 448 yards and seven touchdowns) transferred to Michigan this offseason.

Kalen DeBoer outlines Alabama’s running back room behind Jam Miller

With Miller out, Alabama will likely use a running back-by-committee approach to open the 2025 season, utilizing returning sophomore RBs Richard Young and Daniel Hill — who combined for 207 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 48 carries last season — as well as Louisiana transfer Dre Washington and true freshman AK Dear.

Prior to Fall camp, DeBoer shared some thoughts on the depth of the Alabama running back room behind Miller, who was always expected to take on the majority of the carries this season.

“Sure, you’ve got Rich Young, Daniel Hill coming back also,” DeBoer said July 30, just before the start preseason practice. “I feel like those guys were healthier than they probably ever were last season, throughout the year. Then Dre, Dre Washington. I thought he had a really nice practice today. You can see a new guy that’s come in and now you’re seeing the install a second, third time from spring, summer, to fall. Just like we were talking about with the quarterback position and how it’s clicking more. So, he’s got himself right in the mix there, for sure as we kind of narrow it down. 

“There’s skill sets. There’s different things that each guy brings. Body types are a little bit different. But, in the end, it’s not like someone is so much different to where it affects who’s in there. We’re just teaching them all the offense.”

— On3’s Alex Byington contributed to this report.